Video: Teachers surprised in their classroom with awarded grant money

Guthrie Public School teachers were taken back by surprise when 10 people unexpectedly showed up to their classroom with balloons, bundt cake and a certificate.

Guthrie administrators and the Guthrie Educational Foundation visited each school building to pass out grant money and recognition of the building’s teachers of the year. See video below.

Each teacher of the year received cake and a balloon, but also received a $50 gift certificate to go toward their classroom supplies.

In total, 21 teachers applied for a grant with the foundation.

“Everyone who applied for a grant this year is getting one,” Guthrie Educational Foundation member Steve Hannah said.

Throughout the year, the foundation campaigns and fundraises funds to go back into the classroom.

In total 21 grants were granted totaling over $19,000.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson says the foundation benefits the teachers at a tough time for education in Oklahoma.

“They try to pick up the slack when the school district is in a financial position where we can’t provide some of the things we really would like to provide. That money goes straight to the classroom.”

Teachers and principals apply for the grants and is turned over to the school’s administration. From there, names are removed and given to the foundation and awarded by the number of students impacted, the purpose of the request and its longevity.

This year marks the first time to present the awards inside classrooms.

“The kids got to see what the teachers are going to get and the emotion of the teachers of appreciation is so outstanding,” Simpson said.